Running out of money is a real possibility for some who have made senior living communities their home. The money runs out for a number of reasons and common among them are: longevity (the average length of stay in assisted living is 2.5 years but many live there significantly longer) increasing rental costs, increasing costs in senior health care services and a need for more assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) than before. There are others, but these situations just mentioned place an immediate draw on private funds.

It might be nearing the “right” time to move a parent into an assisted living community when health and safety needs are putting your loved one at risk in their home. If this is your concern then it’s time to have a talk with your loved one. Often there are telltale signs of something “not right” in the home that you can address quickly before things spiral out of control.

It is important that you feel at home in your new senior living home. But how do you know if you're actually going to be comfortable and happy in this new space? Whether it be our Middlewoods Assisted and Independent Living Community in Farmington or Newington, we have your comfort in mind. We invite you to try out maintenance-free living with our unique 60-day trial stay....with no long term commitment!

Loss of independence is a very real threat to your aging loved one. Unfortunately, as seniors age, their ability to manage previously simple everyday duties may diminish or disappear completely. "I don't need help!" What do you do when your aging loved one refuses to accept that his/her care needs are changing? These tips can help you maintain clear, open and productive lines of communication.

“What do you miss the most about being in your home of so many years?” That’s a question I often ask our newer residents when checking in on their adjustment to living in one of our communities at United Methodist Homes. Invariably the answer goes something like this: “I miss getting up, going downstairs, fixing a cup of coffee, enjoying it for awhile, having breakfast, and then going upstairs to wash and dress for the day.” Or, “I miss the daily routines, walking downtown, seeing neighbors, chatting, walking home with some little thing I might want or need during the remaining day.” Along with those comments comes a host of other things of that nature!

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to complications from pneumonia. In fact, according to the CDC, pneumonia -- along with influenza -- is one of the leading causes of death for people aged 65 and older. Don’t miss these four pneumonia prevention tips designed to help keep seniors safe from this life-threatening illness.